Colorado’s State Demography Office recently held its 2025 State Demography Summit to present updated population data for the state, using the most current research methods.
Colorado’s population/migratory trends could significantly impact the state’s economic trajectory.
Let’s unpack some of the new data.
Changes due to new methodology
The US Census Bureau consistently updates its methodology for conducting population estimates and forecasts, revising previous results based on new methods.
In its newest standard, the Census Bureau improved its methodology to better estimate the increase in net international migration.
This revision resulted in an additional 1.85 million international migrants into the US from 2020 to 2023 than previously estimated.
For Colorado, the new methods now indicate the state’s population is 5,956,729, which is 24,120 more than previously thought.
Historically, Colorado’s in-migration has been predominantly from within the United States, but most of the newly estimated population growth since 2022 is attributed to international migration, rather than domestic.
In fact, the rate of domestic migration into Colorado has been stagnating and actually declined from 2023 to 2024.
Why this matters
While the influx of international migration kept Colorado in the top twenty states for population growth, it is expected to be temporary due to changes in immigration policy under the Trump administration.
Once international migration returns to historic levels relative to domestic migration, the forecast shows a looming slowdown in population growth.
Migration is often considered one of the key drivers of economic growth, as an increasing number of working-age individuals are expected to produce more value and create more jobs.
So, fewer people moving to Colorado means slower growth expectations in both short-term and long-term forecasts.
Also, Colorado currently has one of the youngest populations in the country, but also one of the fastest aging populations.
The number of people aged 65 and older is expected to increase by 35 percent over the next decade.
Slower migration, coupled with an aging population, means rising costs for the state and fewer people to pay the bill.
Policy matters
The state government’s policy over the last several years has been one of prioritizing government growth at the expense of economic development and fiscal responsibility.
Despite Colorado’s steady decline in tax competitiveness and economic indicators, the progressive leadership is doubling down on tax-the-rich policies.
For example, Democrats and their far-left allies are now pushing to put a ‘progressive tax’ on the ballot next year, which would further harm the state’s tax competitiveness and economic freedom.
However, reality is catching up quickly, and some influential individuals are beginning to take notice.
In Governor Polis’s 2026-27 budget request, he acknowledged the unsustainable growth of government spending on healthcare.
Slower migration and an aging population will continue to exacerbate the state’s fiscal faltering in the coming years.
Colorado can continue to be a popular destination for relocation, but it needs a significant course correction before it’s too late.
The state’s political and policy trajectory is contributing not only to government bloat but also to diminishing its attractiveness to new residents, as evidenced by the declining rate of domestic migration.
